31 OCTOBER 1891, Page 21

The Illustrated Book of Patience Games. Translated and edited by

Professor Hoffmann. (Routledge and Sons.)—" Patience," which certainly has the unique recommendation that it can be played by one person, has a continuously increasing literature

devoted to it. Whether this book is new or not, we cannot say; nor have we such knowledge of the game as would enable us to

decide whether there is any novelty in the games described. No less than sixty-three kinds are here described. The first requisite for " patience" playing is effective shuffling. Unshuffied packs make a second attempt either too easy or hopeless. Mr. Hoffmann begins by giving a recipe for an effective shuffle.